Mount Carmel was created by God, till today only standing by His grace and therefore challenged to do what is right. We will only be successful if we take full responsibility and instruction from God our Father.
Brother Piet Joostenberg left the Koo District in the Montagu area in 1972, with his wife and children. They came to live in Ocean View, Kommetjie. His entire family joined them later. However Brother Joostenberg visited the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Diep River but transport was very challenging and it was during this time God laid it upon his heart to become the founder of the A.M.E Church in Ocean View.
The first step in right direction was to find a suitable place for worship and a reliable preacher.
Mr. Opperman of the N.G Church offered his home as a place of worship and recommended Ma Schoor as a preacher. Ma Schoor was the wife of Reverend W.A Schoor, a well known missionary in the local area and was also one of the founders of the Methodist Church in Ocean View.
A service was held under a manificent tree on Imhoff's Gift Farm with Ma Schoor as the leader. Members were increasing and babies needed to be baptized. Therefore Brother Joostenberg and Ma Schoor consulted Presiding Elder Blaauw with the help of Sister M. Thomas a member of Trinity Chapel, Grassy Park. Elder Blaauw referred them to Reverend Jannie Louw, Pastor of Ebenezer Retreat at that time.
Under the supervision of Rev. Louw this church celebrated their birth, founded on the 19th of January 1975 and baptized their first babies on the 23rd of February 1975. Rev. Louw visited the members once a month serving the Holy Communion.
At the Annual Conference Rev. Louw requested that the members of Ocean View should become the responsibility of Ebenezer Retreat and his request was granted.
In 1980 the members moved to Kleinberg Primary school. Sunday worship services started 9:00am and Wednesday night prayer meetings at 7:00pm.
On the 30th of October 1994, after twenty years under the supervision of Reverend West the church became independent and was dedicated as Mount Carmel. It was a day of rejoicing and lots of thanksgiving. A wonderful day of celebration as members of other congregations marched with them through the township.
At the age of 87 Ma Schoor retired and Pastor Gelandt arranged for a historic service under the magnificent tree. A day of thanksgiving and fellowship with Rev. E. Louw as the preacher.
In 1997 with the recommendation of Presiding Elder Lewin, arranged with Bishop Senatle for the church to become independent. This was confirmed in the presence of Rev. Gelandt, Steward and Trustee Brother P. Joostenberg and steward/lay preacher Sister C. Opperman.
Reverend Walker inspired and motivated the members to purchase their own house of worship. Many functions were held with the support of Trinity Chapel and Ebenezer congregations. The building was almost complete when Rev. Walker was appointed to a church in Parkwood.
In March 2005, the Reverend Didloff and members moved into their own house of worship. What a day of rejoicing it was. We give God all the glory.
Members of Mount Carmel ran the race and won the battle for Christ our Redeemer.
THANKS BE TO GOD.
Ministers who served Mount Carmel:
Rev. V.E Bailie 1976
Rev. D.J Hendricks 1977
Rev. Soldaat 1978
Rev. E. Louw 1979 - 1981
Rev. D. J Moses 1982-1983
Rev. G. Kruger 1984
Rev. R.J Mothibi 1985 - 1986
Rev. D.J Moses 1987 - 1988
Rev. F.A.M Booysen 1989 - 1992
Rev. G. West 1993 - 1995
Rev. B.C Ernest 1996
Rev. J.H Gelandt 1997
Rev. P.A Walker 1998 - 2004
Rev. G. Didloff 2005
Compiled by: Sister C. Opperman
4th of September 2005
Under the leadership of:
Bishop Samuel L. Green - Presiding Prelate
Rev. Dr. Andrew Josias - Presiding Elder
Rev. Gert Didloff - Pastor of Mount Carmel